Brown was drafted in the fifth round, 153rd overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. After three seasons with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League, Brown signed his first professional contract, a three-year entry level contract with the Bruins in July 2005. On July 1, 2008, Brown became an unrestricted free agent after the Bruins chose not to offer him a qualifying offer.